Ian Poulter Rallies Like No Other To Win And Squeak Into Masters
Ian Poulter has endured quite a roller coaster two weeks. At the Dell Match Play, Poulter was originally (and erroneously) told he just had to reach the quarter finals to gain entry into the Masters. Upon hearing the bad news, he cratered against Kevin Kisner 8 and 6 in the semis.
Heavily bumming, Poults contemplated skipping the Houston Open as he definitely had to win to play at Augusta National. Yet, his first round left him 123 and in horrible shape to win.
In the final group with rookie Beau Hossler, it came down Hoss barely missing a birdie putt on the 18th hole before Ian converting a clutch birdie to force a playoff. Given the oh-so-close frustration of Beau’s near win, I didn’t hold out hope for the reeling lad to do much in the playoff.
Ian Poulter!
A birdie on the final hole to force a playoff @HouOpen.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/HAiASKMHkI
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 1, 2018
Beau unfortunately did not rise to the occasion, reaching a fairway bunker, then a green side trap, then airmailing his bunker blast into the water. Meanwhile Poulter only needed a 4-putt to win (only requiring two).
Hello Masters (!) with Poulter giving himself some emphatic CPR.
— Skratch (@Skratch) April 1, 2018
“I had to dig deep today,” said Poulter.
“Last week was painful,” he said. “To come here this week, I was tired. I was frustrated on Thursday. … I was patient. I waited my time. And this is amazing.”
Ian Poulter was tied for 123rd after the 1st round this week. That’s the lowest 1st round position by a PGA Tour winner over the last 35 years.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGC) April 1, 2018
Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth appears to be a bit more ready heading into Masters week.
Jordan Spieth closed with a 66 and tied for third with Emiliano Grillo (68), giving Spieth momentum for the Masters. It was Spieth’s best finish against a full field since he tied for second in the Dell Technologies Championship outside Boston in September.
“Goal accomplished for the week,” Spieth said. “I’ve made some big strides from my last couple tournaments. I’m very excited for what next week holds.”
